JCDBigBear

Just noticed your response to my post. Yes I had noted a couple of lines further up my post that the debt to Lloyds was paid. Perhaps you missed that. My comment about hoping we are going in the right direction referred to what happens in the future. We have Lloyds off our back but there are still unknowns to the takeover. As things stand at present, I am happy with the situation. I think that we all need a bit of reassurance because Craig Whyte is a bit of an unknown quantity. Not pessimistic just pragmatic.

I was on the RFC website last week and in the Club honours section I noticed that we hadn't updated this season. Sent an e-mail and got a reply that someone would update it. They did add the League but forgot the League Cup win??? Club / History / Trophy Room and it still says 26 wins. There is a lot of incorrect or missing info and someone needs to get their finger out. It's a poor show.

I know I wrote rather a lot but that was part of my point in my post at No. 18.

This whole issue is a minefield. Not just songs but internet postings on web sites such as this. I believe that some of the likely proposals will breach our civil liberties rights. If I say that I hate catholicism or islam and I post it on the web, will that be deemed sectarian? I'm an atheist and have no interest in religion in general. I do, however, have a great deal of interest and loathing of the religions which would try to change the laws of the land to suit their agenda. Guess which religions in particular? That is not to say that I hate or loathe or despise all adherents to such religions. It strikes me that some of our politicians and some big-mouthed prominent unelected people have their own reasons for bringing in certain new laws. A definite pro-catholic lobby exists in Scotland at the moment. Salmond and the SNP are trying to win the catholic vote from Labour. The prominent loud mouths are catholics. People like Kearney and the RC hierarchy in Scotland have a chip on each shoulder. They are also using this sectarian issue to divert attention from their own organisation's failings and crimes. The history of abuse in the RC church worldwide would have seen any other organisation shut down. They are anti-gay, anti-abortion, anti-contraception and discriminate against women. They seek to have their views made into law in this country. They promote sectarianism with their insistence on separate schools for catholics. The catholic church is not a democratic organisation but they seek to alter the laws and have undue influence over democratic countries. Will I be accused with preaching anti-catholic hatred for this article on the internet? One of the fundamentals of everyone's human rights and civil liberties is freedom of speech. That also covers the written word. To quote Voltaire: "I do not agree with what you say but I'll defend to the death your right to say it". This is clearly not the view of our MSPs. The "Famine Song" was a prime example of ridiculous, hysterical and groundless accusations of racism. Eight words " The famine's over, why don't you go home?" How anyone could deem this racist in the context used by the Rangers fans beggars belief. That decision was made by a supposedly educated senior judge. Unfortunately there was no-one to argue the point that it wasn't directed at all Irish people, not even all southern Irish people but simply the "other lot" from the Meccanodome. We all know why it was aimed at them but there was no-one to put the point to the lawmakers. It was simply a wind-up ditty. We are now likely to see a purge on supporters from both sides with the majority of arrests being from the Rangers camp. I asked the question of RFC, "what is not allowed?" and was told it was anything to do with FTP and also "the Billy Boys". I'm not convinced that that will be the only songs deemed arrestable. What about "The Sash and "Derry's Walls"? "No Pope of Rome" will certainly fall into the unacceptable category. "We are Rangers super Rangers" will probably be outlawed if the words "fenian bas**rds and we'll chase them..." are sung. Will singing "if you hate NL clap your hands" be considered sectarian or inciting hatred? What about the the all-inclusive term "abusive"? I note that this was mentioned in the media. There are an awful lot of ways to look at what is considered abuse, particularly in Scotland. What will be acceptable and what will not? This issue and the proposed legislation is opening a proverbial "can of worms" and I for one think that the side of reason needs to be represented in the early discussions before anything becomes law. I do think that some of the words need to be changed on both sides but a knee-jerk law is not the answer. There is sufficient legislation in place to clamp down on what is clearly unacceptable or abusive. To be honest, I am more annoyed that someone calls me "a bas**rd" than if the word "orange" is used as an adjective preceding it. We certainly need clear and concise information on what is now likely to be considered an offence.

Crowd was nearly double that at 27,500.

Reckon he is probably on holiday. Think most of the players will be off now. Go up to Murray Park and ask.

His salary is available to see on RFC website. Its in the Club's accounts. It has a bonus package which is results based. 2004 £289k, 05 £235k, 06 £527k, 07 £357k, 08 £668k, 09 £468k, 2010 £633k. Lawwell at the San Giro got £739k in 2009.

I'm still waiting on my renewals (3)but it usually takes a while. Same every season. I only handed them in on 12th May. There is no need to panic.

Ally said that he had two lists drawn up pre-takeover. Post-takeover he announced he had torn up List B. He is likely to have a fair amount of work done in searching for new recruits. Even on a holiday he only has to use his phone or access the internet for e-mails, etc. That wouldn't have to be every day and would not involve too much time. I am sure people will have been delegated to make certain enquiries already. As long as we get the right players in. No more Beatties, Velickas or Websters please, nor El Hadji. Diouf was only fun after we had a game in the bag in my opinion. Too slow, too much "baggage" and too much money. I don't think we need too many players in any case. I'd like Weiss and Bartley back in for a season if possible. Hutton and Ness will step up as permanent first team squad players. Other recruits may depend on who is leaving.

The RFC accounts year end is 30th June. Chances are they won't be available in audited form until autumn but at least you will see the figures then. There is an information document supposed to be sent to minority shareholders approx 6th June. That may shed some more light in the interim. I can't believe the bad "press" at the moment from fans. None of us are party to the financial dealings and wild rumour and speculation do not help. No amount of hand-wringing will alter things at present. The negative posts and articles will only make some people reluctant to invest in the Club or by Season Tickets or provide sponsorship deals. We all need to sit back and see what transpires. We will know soon enough.

I think we have all agreed that there are a lot of unknowns to the takeover but there were a lot of "knowns" previously where we were in deep manure, owed millions and the taxman was at the door for £2.7m. At least now we may have "unknowns" but for the time being debt is not a concern. Spangles, your negativity threatens to seriously unhinge you. Let it go for at least a short while and retain whatever sanity you have left. You should write books because the sub-plots you see everywhere are without equal.

One is the Tax Case which is still at tribunal. At this point we do not owe the tax. That is the main one. The second "case" is an actual liability which only came to light during the takeover in February. It is £1.87m plus £0.9 in interest. Think I can see why Mr McIntyre has to go!!! http://www.rangers.co.uk/staticFiles/d5/6f/0,,5~159701,00.pdf

Sorry was typing my last post and had not seen yours. I was at the LLoyds AGM last week. Lloyds want out of all football lending. RFC was servicing the debt and repaying capital borrowed in accordance with an agreed repayment plan but Lloyds just wanted rid of Rangers (and other clubs). There is nothing to stop the Club borrowing from a different bank in future but we have to watch debt levels. Qualification for the Champions League could make a significant difference for 2011-12. All our past surplus cash from CL participation has gone into paying back debt.

There is a statement due to be released by Craig Whyte to all minority shareholders on 6th June, at least that is the date proposed. That should go a reasonable way to explaining some of the public side of things. I don't expect to hear a great deal of detail on Whyte's capital as I wouldn't tell you my personal wealth details and I see no reason for him to do so. I cannot believe that Sir David Murray has not had a close look into where Whyte's money was coming from and ensuring he had sufficient capital without borrowing to the hilt. That was what the Club already had so it would be pointless for Murray to agree a change of ownership without a change in the debt (albeit through inter-company borrowing/lending). Alistair Johnston must have been party to a fair amount of the information prior to the takeover. I'm disappointed that he refused to resign. If he didn't like what was happening he should have resigned and made it clear why he was resigning. It appears that Whyte is unwilling to keep Johnston updated with his finances and again, I can understand why. Johnston was leaving anyway so has no need to be informed any longer. Paul Murray should have come up with his takeover package much earlier. He had been on the Board for a few years so why wait until the last minute? Was he hoping to pick up Rangers for a fraction after administration and a points deduction? What about Johnston in the plan B? There are far too many unknowns for any of us to form a proper judgement. It is all speculation and we are only fed the selective bits of information which certain people want us to know and not the full story. The media simply publish the speculation as it feeds the frenzy. After the Plan B takeover proposal and the anti-Whyte stance from existing Board members, those involved were all a certainty to leave. I just wished they had had the decency to resign quietly at this stage and keep their public criticism quiet at this time. Whyte is innocent until proven guilty. Johnston only had to say that he hoped Whyte would strengthen the team as promised then wished him and the Club well and departed. The personal acrimony has given rise to some knee-jerk panic and comment from supporters and media. Let it go and wait and see what transpires in the next few weeks. The debt to Lloyds has been cleared in full. We are therefore £18m better off than we we were a couple of weeks ago. I don't know the financial status of Whyte or his plans for the Club apart from what has been said by him in press releases. The Club accounts will show what the financial status is with regard to any borrowings but these will not be available until autumn. I suppose actions will speak louder than words in relation to team strengthening and we all hope that Whyte keeps his word. In the meantime let us bask in the warm glow of the 54th title. All this negative stuff merely deflects from our achievements this season. All will be revealed in due course. WATP

Yes it is true. The money has been paid. I went to the Lloyds AGM on 18th May at SECC and after I complained at that meeting about Lloyds treatment of Rangers FC, one of their board directors spoke to me after it and confirmed that Lloyds had been paid. I was actually a bit shocked because the Lloyds chairman actually apologised and the other director approached me at the end as I was leaving.

It was raised on 23rd as a reminder. I had a wee tear in my eye thinking back 39 years. Memories are still reasonably clear. What a great time I had. Goosebumps every time I talk or write about it.

Just a few points from me on this: Mr Johnston is unlikely to be bitter as he never actually wanted the job. No-one actually knows what Mr Whyte plans in regard to financing team building, only time will tell. The removal of Board members who were opposed to Mr Whyte is hardly a surprise. I am not entirely sorry about some of the directors being removed as I am unaware of exactly what useful purpose they served to Rangers FC. Before he became chairman, what did Mr Johnston do for the Club? What did Paul Murray bring? Mr McIntyre's suspension as Finance director, again no shock. I wouldn't want him in charge of anything to do with finance when you think of our Club's previous state. Mr Bain, well I think he sided with the alternative takeover boys which was a big mistake. Also suspect that Mr Whyte wants someone else as CEO. I also question why the alternative takeover people didn't move earlier if their idea was workable. One last point, at least we have no debt to Lloyds so Mr Whyte must have come up with a fair amount of cash for that move. Where is Mr Ellis in this? We can only hope that we are moving in the right direction.

I park near Kinning Park underground every game. It's only a 20 minute walk (or take the underground). You walk back as it's quicker on foot. Lambhill Street or Cornwall Street. Check it out on google earth.

Neither of us knows whether or not McClelland's position in UEFA has helped us or not. I will claim that it certainly can't do us any harm. It's easier to make changes from the inside than from outside. At this stage, we need all the help we can get. Our own fans cause us the problems with UEFA not our directors.

If I bought a company and did not see eye-to-eye with smaller shareholders on the Board then I would want my own people in, not just to be "yes" men but because I valued and trusted their opinion. Clearly Craig Whyte does not want people on the Board who tried to prevent/delay his takeover. I might have been a bit more sympathetic to the likes of Murray (Paul) and Johnston if they had made their moves earlier. As for McIntyre, as he was the finance director for a number of years I would not have trusted the guy with pocket money. Bain is a bit of an enigma. I'm not sure where his loyalties lay or lie. I do think he is overpaid and it now appears that his severance package may not be entirely "above board". We can all speculate as much as we like on this but it will no doubt be made clear in time. I can't see how much has changed for the fans or the Club since the date of the takeover with the exception of the Martin Bain aspect. It all depends just how much work he did on his own. If he delegated much of his work and just rubber-stamped things then there will be little effect on Rangers. If he kept much of his work to himself then that will be more problematic. It is never a good thing for a business to have a lot of detail only known by one person. You never know when they may get "hit with a bus" so to speak. When I saw Whyte and Bain in the Stand at the first game after the takeover, the lack of affinity between them was quite apparent. Bain looked like about as happy as a tim at Inverness. His tea may not have been out but it was certainly just about to be served.

Bain and McIntyre are suspended for irregularities allegedly due to what is in their contracts under what their severance terms would be. Johnston had said he would resign as Chairman on 16th May, not sure if that was also as an ordinary director. Couldn't see any of the four involved getting left on the Board after blocking Whyte then trying an alternative takeover. I would have thought that the Club may need Bain in place because of his knowledge of Scottish football administration. Perhaps there are others in the background who do much of the work. I would certainly keep McClelland because he has a very high position in UEFA.

There is no definitive answer to where the term "Light Blues" arose. One side promotes the "lightness of foot" view and another is that compared to the dark blue of say Scotland, Dundee, Falkirk type colours, the royal blue was lighter. If Gers were playing Dundee they would be the dark blues and we the light blues. I has been Royal Blue for over 100 years so that will do for me. Some photos of 1890s show the players wearing what appears to be a blue which would be similar to royal blue.

This is a very depressing topic. I had (thankfully) forgotten most of the dross players we had signed in past seasons. It must be one of these "safety valve" things where your mind tries to blank out unhappy memories!!!! Seriously though, it has brought more than one wry grin and shake of the head from me when I see some of the names cropping up here. If we had every penny back we spent just on the failures we would be one of the richest clubs in Britain. At least I can take heart from knowing that the dregs of society at the San Giro have wasted a lot more.

Rideout only spent about half a season with us to my recollection. Played pretty well. I remember last game of 91 -92 season at Aberdeen, he played centre half and was outstanding. Coisty scored two fabulous goals that day (2 nil win) which took the headlines away from Rideout's performance. What about Emerson and Djordjic. Both were obscure when playing. Emerson at least scored the goal in our draw away at Panathinaikos but that was it.

Wee Johnny Hubbard was a great player. Missed 3 out of 57 penalties. He was a favourite of my great uncle. Not in the obscure bracket because he played 238 times for Gers. Prodan was a disaster but thankfully only £2.2 m. Never played for 1st team. He was overshadowed in the bad buy stakes by the Tims signing the appropriately named Scheidt for £5m. He only played 2 or 3 times.